ApplianceMath.ai| Variable | Electric | Gas |
|---|---|---|
| Average MSRP | $749 | $849 |
| Price premium (gas) | — | $100 |
| Average drying time per load | 45 – 55 min | 35 – 45 min |
| Annual operating cost | $333 | $133 |
| Annual operating savings (gas) | — | ~$200 |
| Expected lifespan | 10 – 11 years | 12 – 13 years |
| Source | DOE 2026, EIA 2026, EnergyStar 2026 | |
How Electric and Gas Dryers Work
Electric dryers use a resistance heating element requiring a dedicated 240V outlet and drawing significant electrical current during operation. Gas dryers use a gas burner requiring a natural gas or propane connection and a standard 120V electrical outlet for the motor and controls. Gas burns hotter than electric resistance heat — gas dryers typically dry a load 10-15 minutes faster than equivalent electric models.
The Annual Operating Cost Comparison
| Dryer Type | Energy per Load | Cost per Load | Weekly Cost (8 loads) | Annual Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electric | 5.0 kWh | $0.80 | $6.40 | $333 |
| Gas | 22,000 BTU | $0.32 | $2.56 | $133 |
| Annual savings (gas) | — | $0.48/load | $3.84 | $200 |
Electric cost at $0.16/kWh national average. Gas cost at $1.47/therm national average (EIA 2026).
The Long-Term Cost Inflection Point
| Year | Electric Cumulative Cost | Gas Cumulative Cost | Gas Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Purchase | $749 | $849 | -$100 |
| Year 1 | $1,082 | $982 | +$100 |
| Year 2 | $1,415 | $1,115 | +$300 |
| Year 5 | $2,414 | $1,514 | +$900 |
| Year 10 | $4,079 | $2,179 | +$1,900 |
The gas dryer breaks even on its price premium within the first year of ownership. Over a 10-year ownership period the gas dryer delivers approximately $1,900 in cumulative savings compared to an equivalent electric model.
The Repair Cost Comparison
| Repair | Electric | Gas |
|---|---|---|
| Heating system failure | Element: $208 – $268 | Igniter: $150 – $200 |
| Heating system DIY | Yes | Moderate |
| Gas valve coil failure | N/A | $208 – $248 |
| Thermal fuse | $130 – $145 | $130 – $145 |
| Control board | $413 – $613 | $413 – $613 |
| Motor | $425 – $625 | $425 – $625 |
The Installation Cost Factor
Gas dryer installation without existing gas line: Running a new gas line costs $250-$800 depending on distance and local labor rates. At $500 in installation cost, the break-even extends from year 1 to approximately year 3. Electric dryer installation without existing 240V outlet: Installing a new 240V dedicated circuit costs $200-$400 — less expensive than a new gas line in most cases. If both connections already exist the analysis above applies directly.
Which Is Right for Your Household?
Gas is the stronger financial choice when: a gas connection already exists in the laundry area; you run 6+ loads per week; you plan to own the home for 3+ years.
Electric is the appropriate choice when: no gas connection exists and installation cost is prohibitive; you are in an all-electric home or high-rise; you run fewer than 4 loads per week.
Key Takeaways
- Electric dryer annual operating cost: $333/year at $0.16/kWh national average
- Gas dryer annual operating cost: $133/year at $1.47/therm national average
- Annual operating savings (gas vs. electric): ~$200/year
- Gas dryer price premium: ~$100 over equivalent electric model
- Break-even on gas premium: less than 1 year when gas connection exists
- 10-year cumulative gas savings: ~$1,900 vs. equivalent electric
- Gas dryer expected lifespan: 12-13 years vs. 10-11 for electric
- Sources: DOE 2026, EIA 2026, EnergyStar 2026